The future of tourism and the ‘Power of Storytelling’ in Country and Outback NSW will be the focus of a Visitor Economy Summit to take place in Armidale on Wednesday 8 May 2024.
The Summit is aptly timed to support the NSW’s Government’s announcement of a new structure which will focus on experience tourism and creative industries to bring about economic, social, and cultural benefits to communities across the state.
The one-day event on 8 May is designed to assist tourism operators to build their brand and bottom line through storytelling and features an inspiring line-up of 14 guest speakers from hip regional and international businesses.
This includes Blak Douglas (First Nations Artist and 2022 Archibald Prize Winner), Heather Parry (Fodder UK), Sandy Rogers (Gilay Estate), Tania Hartigan (Artshack at Wilbagah), Annabelle Hickson (Galah Magazine) and Phoebe Cowdery (The Corridor Project).
They will be joined by industry experts from Tourism Australia, Destination NSW and Destination Marketing Store, sharing their insights, expertise and latest data on tourism. Attendees can expect a relaxed, fun and inspiring day MC’d by Nigel Collin.
“This year’s theme is the ‘Power of Storytelling’ as stories are the most vital tool to help businesses connect with an audience. Stories take customers on a journey, offer an in-depth experience, and help businesses stand out.” said Andrea Plawutsky, Chair of Destination Country and Outback NSW.
“Destination Country and Outback NSW is full of remarkable stories ready to be told in more memorable ways. This Summit is designed to help our industry tell more stories and build a vibrant tourism economy.” added Andrea.
The Summit features speakers who have mastered the art of storytelling and led their businesses to success. This includes artists, retailers, accommodation, venues and cultural attractions.
The Summit will be held at the impressive Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place in Armidale which showcases and celebrates Indigenous culture. The beautiful city of Armidale, in northern New South Wales, has a fast-growing population and is renowned for its nature, history and collections of art and antiquities, live theatre and music performances.
The Visitor Economy Summit is a new annual event, hosted by Destination Country and Outback NSW, and was held for the first time in 2023 in Dubbo.
The Summit is ideal for anyone welcoming visitors from accommodation, cafes and restaurants to tour operators, event organisers, community organisations and local government departments.
The Country and Outback visitor economy is worth a massive $1.8billion per year and attracts 4,588,999 trips a year (TRA National Visitor Survey Dec 23). It covers 25 local government areas and 45% of the state including Armidale, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Bourke, Dubbo, Glen Innes, Inverell, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, Walcha and Walgett.
Participants are encouraged to BOOK NOW at the following website – www.vesummit.au
- Cost: Tickets $110pp plus GST includes catering and a goodie bag
- When: Wednesday 8 May 2024 from 9am to 3.30pm
- Location: Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place in Armidale
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